Slowing Down at Week 34

Slowing Down at 34 Weeks Pregnant

Slowing Down at 34 Weeks Pregnant

Pregnancy
Article
May 17, 2018
3 mins

This week, all the action inside your belly starts slowing down a bit. That's because the sweet bun in your oven is close to being cooked! Your baby now weighs almost 5 pounds and is about 18 inches long. Learn more about your baby's development at 34 weeks pregnant.

BABY DEVELOPMENT

One of the many miracles of pregnancy is that your body – and the baby inside it – seems to know exactly what it needs to do. At this time, your little one starts to naturally move into birthing position as your pelvis begins to widen. But your baby won’t be completely in place until a few days or even hours before your childbirth contractions begin. 

 

YOUR BODY

Does your baby feel heavier than usual? That’s probably from the pressure that your broadening pelvis is exerting on the inner parts of your body. Just imagine that everything’s stretching down there! It can feel highly uncomfortable and cause a strain on your tummy, back, and groin area. This pain is normal, but anytime it gets too much, it’s always best to consult with your doctor.

 

In fact, during these last few weeks before birth, it’s a good idea to stay near your doctor or your hospital. You never know when your little darling will suddenly lose patience and arrive unannounced! If you work, one of the benefits you can enjoy is paid maternity leave. Right now, maternity leaves in the country cover 60 days. Use this precious time to recover from the delivery and care for yourself and your baby.

 

NUTRITION

Carbohydrates have a bad reputation among dieters, but they’re your body’s main source of energy, and are therefore a non-negotiable during your pregnancy. Start your day off with a good breakfast of bread and your favorite spread, or cereal topped with fruit, plus fresh fruit juice and dairy products. When choosing your carbs, it’s best to go for the more “complex” variety – think whole grains, vegetables, and beans. “Complex” just means that they’re a bit harder to break down, so they can provide you with stable energy throughout the day instead of in one big burst. Save the simple carbs, i.e. sweets such as cakes and chocolate, as small, occasional treats. Sudden sugar spikes aren’t good for your pancreas, the organ in your body that’s responsible for managing your blood sugar levels.

 

TIPS

If you’ve been feeling like you can’t catch your breath at times, rest assured that you are not alone. It’s a common side effect of pregnancy in the third trimester. That’s because the growing baby inside of you now takes up a lot more room and is likely pushing against your lungs and diaphragm. The result? A normal sense of breathlessness. This feeling will disappear naturally once your baby moves down a little in preparation for the big exit. In the meantime, whenever you feel short of breath, shift positions until you find one that allows your lungs to expand properly. Remember that both you and your baby should always have a steady supply of life-giving oxygen.

 

All set for Week 35? Read on to see what happens next!

Related articles

View details How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth
Article
How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth

How to Exercise for an Easier Childbirth

Expecting moms can do these exercises to prepare for labor and delivery. Here’s how to do them.

4 mins to read

View details Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?
Article
Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?

Brain Food: What Should I Eat During Pregnancy?

All nutrients are considered important for brain development in the growing child, but some appear to have a more pronounced effect on the developing brain.

4 mins to read

View details Food choices for a healthy pregnancy
Article
Food choices for a healthy pregnancy

Food choices for a healthy pregnancy

4 mins to read

View details Pregnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?
Article
regnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?

Pregnancy signs: What’s normal, what’s not?

Christia S. Padolina, M.D. lists symptoms that typically accompany pregnancy to help you know what to expect.

4 mins to read

View details 3 Healthy Fun Facts habang Nagbubuntis
Article
3 Healthy Fun Facts habang Nagbubuntis

3 Healthy Fun Facts habang Nagbubuntis

Know more about you and your little one's development, ngayong nasa exciting stage ka!

3 mins to read

View details It's WEEK 30! Here are the highlights
Article
It's WEEK 30! Here are the highlights

It's WEEK 30! Here are the highlights

Every day, your baby develops more and more, getting ready to make a grand entrance into the world! Do you think you'll miss being pregnant?

3 mins to read

View details WEEK 25
Article
WEEK 25

WEEK 25

Two more weeks left of the second trimester. You are gearing up for the home stretch. Your baby's sense of touch is starting to blossom. Read more about how to help feed it.

3 mins to read

View details Load Up On Good Carbs, Moms!
Article
Load Up On Good Carbs, Moms!

Load Up On Good Carbs, Moms!

You can’t talk about food for pregnancy without mentioning carbohydrates. Carbohydrates, together with fats, are the main sources of energy for you and your baby.

3 mins to read

View details WEEK 4: Getting Ready for the Ride
Article
WEEK 4: Getting Ready for the Ride

WEEK 4: Getting Ready for the Ride

Almost one month already! So many exciting things are happening inside you this week. Read on to find out what they are - and for a sneak peek into how your baby's doing.

3 mins to read

View details Birthing day essentials: what to bring/what not to bring
Article
Birthing day essentials: what to bring/what not to bring

Birthing day essentials: what to bring/what not to bring

Between weeks 33 and 36 of the pregnancy, begin packing hospital bags for Mom, Dad, and your newborn

6 mins to read

View details How to Ease Your Postnatal Recovery in 3 Simple Steps
Article
How to Ease Your Postnatal Recovery in 3 Simple Steps

How to Ease Your Postnatal Recovery in 3 Simple Steps

Congratulations! You've just navigated one of the most demanding phases in a woman's life - nine months of pregnancy leading to the miracle of childbirth!

3 mins to read

View details What Happens at WEEK 15
Article
What Happens at WEEK 15

What Happens at WEEK 15

Looks like everything is finally settling for your baby's sense of smell! Read on and find out what's bound to happen at week 15.

2 mins to read

View details Development ni Baby During Pregnancy
Article
Development ni Baby During Pregnancy

Development ni Baby During Pregnancy

Mommy, ang pagbubuntis ay isang exciting journey for you and baby. Maraming nangyayari habang lumalaki si baby sa iyong sinapupunan. Ito ang ilang key milestones sa kanyang development:

2 mins to read

View details Getting ready at WEEK 31
Article
Getting ready at WEEK 31

Getting ready at WEEK 31

As the big day approaches, your precious darling is starting to turn upside down, getting into the perfect position for birth. What a smart little baby!

3 mins to read

View details WEEK 26
Article
WEEK 26

WEEK 26

A little ta-da moment for the final week of your second trimester - your baby will open her eyes for the first time around now! Read more about this week.

3 mins to read

View details 5 Principles For Eating Well During Pregnancy
Article
5 Principles For Eating Well During Pregnancy

5 Principles For Eating Well During Pregnancy

The one time you need to get really serious in sticking to a balanced and varied diet is when you are pregnant. Do it for the baby in your tummy and for yourself, too.

4 mins to read

View details Exciting Developments at WEEK 5
Article
Exciting Developments at WEEK 5

Exciting Developments at WEEK 5

Though only around the size of a pea, your baby is growing by leaps and bounds! Read on to know what new developments are in store for you and your baby this week.

3 mins to read

View details Week 33 - 34: Natural Loss of Appetite
Article
Week 33 - 34: Natural Loss of Appetite

Week 33 - 34: Natural Loss of Appetite

Losing appetite? Don’t worry, it’s natural. 

1 min to read

View details How to Get Relief from Postpartum Back Pain
Article
How to Get Relief from Postpartum Back Pain

How to Get Relief from Postpartum Back Pain

After 9 months of carrying a child in your tummy, you’re probably all too familiar with pain on your lower back. Unfortunately, it doesn’t just go away after you’ve given birth.

3 mins to read

Register Now!

  Register Now!

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support

Feeding guidance

Learn about various feeding options and what each means for you and your child.

review logo

Expert Tips And Advice

Access helpful tips and advice tailored to your little one's development.

Free Samples

Receive tons of free samples from brands you and your baby will love!

Super-Sized Savings

Get Extra savings in your inbox and mailbox as your child grows.